On Sunday, Feb. 2, students, faculty and the Moscow community can celebrate the rich traditions, culture and cuisine of Nepal together at the Taste of Nepal.
From 5-7 p.m. in the Pitman Center International Ballroom, attendees will be invited to watch performances, live music and eat a traditional meal. The cost of attendance for this event is $15 for students, $20 for general admission and free for children under 5.
Tickets are available for purchase online or at the ISUB from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Thursday and Friday in the Library. Tickets will be sold until Jan. 31.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Taste of Nepal with some special elements added to celebrate this tremendous milestone. The theme is “Flavors, Feelings and Festival.” The event will focus on festivals that are celebrated in Nepal in October and November such as Dashain and Tihar.
“Through traditional dances, music and storytelling, we aim to showcase the joy, unity and cultural significance of these festivals,” said Shashwot Niraula, President of the Napali Students’ Association and a senior majoring in computer science.
The Taste of Nepal takes months to prepare. A planning committee task force was formed in November of last year. That task force was divided into seven teams that covered multiple aspects securing every detail for the event.
“During the December break, significant progress was made,” said Niraula. He described how the dancers started rehearsals, the food team created the menu and the promotional team started advertising the event. “Months of detailed planning and collaboration have gone into making this event.”
Additional details on the event’s performances and food menu were also shared. Acts will include Ganesh Vandana, a traditional dance devoted in honor of Lord Ganesh and performed at the beginning of the event to seek blessings for a joyous celebration.
Several tributes and dances are set to follow, all honoring the aforementioned festivals. This portion of the night will conclude with a trivia segment where attendees can learn more about Nepalese culture through audience engagement.
The three-course dinner will feature a variety of dishes, including chicken curry, basmati rice, several vegetarian options, dessert and an appetizer.
This event is an opportunity for the community to come together and learn about the unique heritage of Nepal. The Nepal Student Association shared that over 450 guests attended the event last year and are hoping for an even larger turnout this year.
“Our hope is to welcome even more people to experience the richness of Nepalese culture firsthand,” said Niraula.
The importance of Taste of Nepal lies in its ability to bring students together and provide a space for those who may be thousands of miles away from home.
In Niraula’s words, “For many of us, Taste of Nepal is more than just a cultural event—it is a reminder of home. For Nepali students and the broader Nepali community, this event provides a way to stay connected to our roots while being far from home.”
You can follow the Nepali Students’ Association on Instagram: @uidaho_nsa and Facebook: Nepalese Student Association – University of Idaho for more updates and information.
Sierra Rode can be reached at arg-life@uidaho.edu.